From the recording SHADOW PEOPLE
Lyrics
WHAT HAVE I DONE? (A BIRTHDAY SONG)<br />
<br />
I have worked on rooftops<br />
And down in the coal mines.<br />
I’ve worked in body shops<br />
And painted highway lines.<br />
<br />
I’ve labored in the field<br />
And in an office space.<br />
My skin burned and then peeled;<br />
Some mistakes don’t erase.<br />
<br />
One more quick revolution<br />
Around the sun,<br />
And I stop to ask myself,<br />
“What have I done?”<br />
<br />
I’ve taught in the classroom<br />
And learned on the outside.<br />
I shook hands with the groom<br />
While I kissed his sweet bride.<br />
<br />
I’ve fought many battles;<br />
Been a peacekeeper too.<br />
Cleaned blood from the saddles <br />
Of those who died for you.<br />
<br />
One more quick revolution<br />
Around the sun,<br />
And I stop to ask myself,<br />
“What have I done?”<br />
<br />
I’ve whistled while I’ve worked,<br />
And I’ve cursed the smug boss;<br />
And oftentimes I’ve lurked<br />
On the wrong side of loss.<br />
<br />
I’ve been a true leader; <br />
Faithful follower too.<br />
I’ve filled the bird feeder<br />
When I needed snowshoes.<br />
<br />
One more quick revolution<br />
Around the sun,<br />
And I stop to ask myself,<br />
“What have I done?”<br />
<br />
I’ve prayed in the churches;<br />
Found the Truth and the Way.<br />
Read Robert Frost’s “Birches”<br />
To my children at play.<br />
<br />
I’ve stolen from no one;<br />
I’ve never asked for much.<br />
Now my life’s almost done,<br />
And I’m losing my touch.<br />
<br />
One more quick revolution<br />
Around the sun,<br />
And I stop to ask myself,<br />
“What have I done?”<br />
<br />
Copyright © 2003 Lex Zaleta<br />